New Year's Day in Doha 2025: Where to celebrate

We always say that you should start the year as you mean to go on.

And for us, that does not mean sleeping in until 3pm – it means seizing the day, and heading out for a New Year’s Day breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner.

Join us and head to one of these brilliant options this year.

New Year’s Day celebrations in Doha, from brunches to events

New Year’s Day feasts

Seasons Tea Lounge

Pinkies up for afternoon tea at the swish Seasons Tea Lounge at the Four Seasons. Bring your whole gang to share and savour pastries, tea sandwiches and scones in the Parisian-inspired lounge. Top it off with a delicious cuppa or two.

QR395 (per set for two people inclusive of a pot of AVANTCHA tea). Mon Jan 1-31 1pm-8pm. Four Seasons Doha, The Corniche, fourseasons.com/doha (4494 8700).

Sel & Miel

Enjoy a Parisian business lunch at Sel & Miel this New Year’s Day. Consider this your mid-day indulgence where French traditions, big flavours and an elegant setting await. Choose from two or three courses. We suggest you go big.

QR95 (two courses), QR115 (three courses). Wed Jan 1 12pm-4pm. The Ritz-Carlton Doha, West Bay Lagoon, selmieldoha.com (5576 4278).

Tribeca Market

Toast 2025 with a fabulous New Year’s Day brunch with laid-back vibes at the ultra-luxe Tribeca Market. Expect to be taken on a “culinary journey”. Cheers to that.

QR300 (soft drinks), QR450 (house beverages), QR150 (kids six to 11). Mon Jan 1 12:30pm-4:30pm. Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay (4008 9000).

New Year’s Day outings

Shop until you drop at Shop Qatar 2025

The country’s biggest shopping festival is back. Head of one of Qatar’s participating malls, from Doha Festival City to Villaggio, for thrilling events, entertainment and can’t-miss discounts.

Oh, and there’s the chance to win insane prizes (yes, a brand-new car may be in the running).

Start the year off with a bang (and some really gorgeous items, too).

Free entrance. Jan 1-Feb 1. Various malls across Qatar. visitqatar.com.

Day trip to Al Karaana Lagoon

Originally used for wastewater, a rehabilitation project completed by the Public Works Authority of Qatar (Ashgal) in 2019 has completely transformed Al Karaana Lagoon.

Start 2025 with lots of fresh air (Credit: Supplied)

The three artificial lagoons are now home to plenty of wildlife, including red foxes, desert hares, snakes and various types of birds. It’s definitely a good day trip from Doha if you’re a fan of nature. What better way to ring in 2025.

Location: Al Karaana Lagoon.

Peruse Doha’s finest public art (for free)

Culture vultures, this one is for you.

Doha might not yet have a nickname like the city of love, the city that never sleeps, or the windy city, but if we did, we think it might be dubbed the city of art. From street art to murals and sculptures, there’s an eye-catching piece to take in across all corners of the city.

Marwan Shakarchi, aka myneandyours, uses seemingly cheerful imagery, such as the Mr. Men characters in this piece, to express darker thoughts (*@myneandyours*).

From the stunning Egal by Shouq Al Mana in Lusail Marina Promenade to Two Orchids by renowned German artist Isa Genzken and The End is Nigh by myneandyours, here’s where our complete guide to discovering the greatest public art in the city.

Free. Various parts of Doha.